This is how transplanting works

Why transplanting large trees is problematic

You can't just make a big, old tree dig out and replant in a new location. There is a high probability that he will not survive this procedure. The reason for this lies in the innumerable fine roots, which are responsible for the absorption of water and nutrients and are therefore vital. These are always far from the trunk and are simply cut off when excavating. the resulting imbalance between the severely shortened root ball and the part of the tree above ground leads to the tree starving to death. Incidentally, tree nurseries circumvent this problem by transplanting the trees or at least cutting off the roots every three to five years. This allows a compact root system to develop and transplanting is easier.

How to transplant a large tree

You can also use this trick in the home garden. The best way to do this is as follows:

• In the fall before the scheduled Transplanting prick the roots around the Tree trunk with a spade away.
• The selected diameter should roughly correspond to that of the crown.
• Dig a narrow, spade-deep trench.
• Fill this with compost.
• Wait a year until next fall.
• Now dig the trench again.
• The root ball should have developed compactly.
• In this way, fewer vital roots are lost when transplanting.
• Cut the roots outside this ball.
• Loosen the root ball.
• Now dig up the tree and plant it again in its new location.
• Don't forget to cut it back by at least a third.
• Water abundantly, this will make it easier to grow.

In the case of very large and old trees, this work can only be carried out with appropriately heavy equipment. In this case, it makes sense to entrust a specialist company with the task. This also increases the chance that the tree will survive the procedure.